Oceanic Feeling

Oceanic feeling is characterized by the feeling of infinite power which is linked with being able to connect with the universe as a whole. This psychological term was coined by Romain Rolland, a French writer. He explained it as the source of all religious energy. For instance, an individual who feels a deep connection with the Supreme Being is full of awe and is humbled as well as empowered by this awareness.

It was then popularized by Sigmund Freud from a psychoanalytic viewpoint as he could not relate with the spiritual explanation. Freud believes that this kind of consciousness, if it exists, begins during infancy, when there is still no distinction between the “I” and “others”. Oceanic feeling may then reemerge in adulthood in the form of delusion or a spiritual experience.